Editors’ Notes

With ominous piano notes and a pleading vocal from Justin Timberlake, “Holy Grail” opens Magna Carta… Holy Grail with force, reintroducing JAY Z like he never left. Though the release of Magna Carta… Holy Grail seemed somewhat spontaneous, its opening track and the Frank Ocean–highlighted “Oceans” were started two years before its 2013 release, showing Hov's skills as a tactician. Songs like “Jay Z Blue” (an ode to his daughter) and “Part II (On the Run)” (a continued tale of love with wife Beyoncé) show a more mature artist. And songs like “Tom Ford” and “Picasso Baby” bring a jolt of new energy that gives the album a signature bounce.

Customer Reviews

Better than expected.

by
Jermaine103s

I'm not a Jay-Z fan, he's a very good rapper but I've never bought into him being one of the greatest ever. This album is very well put together, incredible production, great features, all around very good listen.

Apple pay attention

by
omega7791

Samsung & J just schooled you to the new rules.. iTunes left behind smh

Best of This Year.

by
MusicZ0mbieBob

This album may not have the best lyrics, but clearly has the best beats seen in 2013. Yeezus seemed very rushed, as the lyrics were horrible and the beats were garbage. And this is coming from a Yeezy fan. Born Sinner was a decent album, but it didn't give me the "vibe". JAY Z, you got 5 stars from me.

Biography

Born: December 04, 1969 in Brooklyn, NY

Genre: Hip-Hop/Rap

Years Active: '90s, '00s, '10s

Embodying the rags-to-riches rap dream, Jay-Z pulled himself up by his bootstraps as a youth to eventually become the reigning rapper of New York City and, in turn, a major-label executive following his short-lived retirement from music-making. In the wake of his 1996 debut, Reasonable Doubt, Jay-Z's albums sold millions upon millions with each release, and his endless parade of hits made him omnipresent on urban radio and video television. He retained a strongly devoted fan base and challenged whatever...